Rating: 
Summary: Easily better than Tolkien...
Review: Don't get me wrong, I like Tolkien just fine, but I really don't see how anyone can say that the Lord of the Rings trilogy was FASTER paced than Tad Williams's masterpiece. This book captured me from the first page. I read it in one (!) sitting, just couldn't put it down! Get it now, if not sooner.
Rating:
Summary: The first book of a masterpiece trilogy
Review: The Memory, Sorrow & Thorn Trilogy is by far the best Fantasy series that I've read to date (actually, I've read it three times). The depth and complexity of the story and characters, combined with superb writing makes this trilogy a "must" for any serious fantasy reader. The only possible down-side may be the slow pace at the beginning, in The Dragonbone Chair, to the extent that even some accomplished readers found the book "hard to get into". My reply to them, and anybody who reads the book and finds it "boring" is that the beginning of the trilogy sets the foundations for the best Fantasy saga the world has seen. Any perceived "slowness" is definitely well worth it. This trilogy should be savoured like a good wine, however there will always be those few who prefer soft drinks...
Rating:
Summary: A More Vivid Tolkien... Though Not As Quick-Paced
Review: The Dragonbone Chair is without a doubt one of my favorite books of all time. The book begins a series that is as vivid and alive as any could hope for when succeeding Tolkien. There is nothing left to question, nothing left unexplored: there is always something happening in this little world, on all corners. However long it takes to build the characters, it's worth it.Though the majority of complaints lash out at the book's slow pace, I find the pace helps establish the characters that make this story grand. By growing with Simon, seeing with Simon, and experiencing with Simon, he is as real a character as one could create. His foolishness and rashness are calmen human qualities (don't deny it.) And the supporting characters around Simon, that engage him and the reader, combine with an ever-expanding plot to create a quality story!
Rating:
Summary: Great plot and terrific character development
Review: The story all around is terrific. There's always that secretive air of mystery that always got me to read more. The main character Simon seemed too childish and I continuosly wonder when would he grow up. After reading the rest of the series I found that I was rooting for Simon all the way. But several times in this novel without the help of character like Binabik and Morgenes, Simon would have surly been dead. What I found in this book is a unique character development. Usually what happens in most novels the main character goes from basic steotyped character, like the lone hunter, to a man that is more detailed than that inside one novel. But with Williams he slowly details this process and keeps you hooked into it as well. It's rare to see such detail in shaping a character like Simon to a whiney-brat to a somber harden man in this series.
Rating:
Summary: As good or better the second time round
Review: Read 'The Dragonbone Chair' a few years ago and was probably too young to fully appreciate it (even though I loved it then!). Just finished re-reading book one and couldn't put it down. Smiled each time I noticed some small reference Williams' inserted to help weave the series together that I hadn't spotted first time through. Williams' may have started the series slowly, but stick with it and you'll appreciate the world and character development by the end.
Rating: 
Summary: Please don't compare this book to Lord of the Rings-SPOILERS
Review: It would be an insult to Tolkien to compare the Dragonbone Chair to any of his works. That said, here is why I didn't care much for the book. The first 3 quarters of the book was just plain boring. It was just sooooo slow. I don't mind slow going books. I loved the Silmarillion. But if it is gonna be slow at least keep your readers attention. Also, I think if Williams had his characters say "Holy Usires! Holy Aedon! Aedons tree ! Blessed Usires! and Elysias Mother! (sp?) or any other variation and more than he did I would have died. I challenge you to go back and look for the expletitives. They are on every single page. Simon, the main character is annoying throughout most of the whole book. A whiny spoiled selfish brat. Binabik is cool though and I enjoyed his character. I was sorry to see Morgenes die too, though I do commend Williams for not trying to keep a Gandalf type character in his book. The only reason I give this book 3 stars is because the book does redeem itself toward the end Enough anyway for me to buy the "Stone of Farewell". Simon's character was better toward the end of the book too and I liked the companionship of the Sithi. All in all I am not a huge Williams fan. I didn't enjoy Otherland either so I may be biased. I also haven't finished the series so I may rewrite this review. For great reading I recommend of course , Lord of the Rings...duh. I also recommend the Wheel of Time (though the last couple books in the series have been dissapointing), Terry Goodkinds series, Stephen Lawheads "Arthur" series and his "Song of Albion" trilogy and for the younger generation I recommend the Chronicles of Narnia and the Earthsea Trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: Wow, this book and series is wonderful. I first read The Dragonbone Chair about five years ago and it is still is one of my top favorite books. I only wish that the series would have been more than three books.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely wonderful!
Review: This is one of the best written books I have ever read, truly. An insatiable reader myself, I have come across many books that try to tell a tale of mystery, suspense and magic in such a way that they transport the reader into a startling, new world. Most such attempts don't succeed, in my opinion. Tad Williams, with this series, has done just that. I literally couldn't put the book(s) down! Many a morning I wish I had more willpower (as I had to go to work eyes half-lidded). I recommend this book (and indeed this series) to any serious fantasy reader. I could not have been more pleased myself.
Rating:
Summary: Comparisons to Tolkien are valid with Tad Williams!
Review: Not only is Dragonbone Chair as fabulous as other reviewers say...Not only are the comparisons of Tad Williams and J.R.R.Tolkien valid...But also, the story is so beautifully crafted. No one since Dorothy L. Sayers has written with a style so fluid and breathtaking. Word choice is superb. Fictional words and names are exquisitly chosen. The sweeping grandeur of the style is unbelieveably expansive. This book is not simply read; it is experienced!
Rating:
Summary: Begins a great story arc
Review: This book starts my favorite series of any genre. However, this book should not be attempted by a weekend reader. While the series is good, the first book moves slowly, and I feel that unless you read books quick you will get disenhartened and bored before long - but if you do make it to the end, one of the best endings of all books awaits. Its other strengths are a believable fantasy world - a human world, with almost no magic, monsters or other races, meaning that the world is understandable and easier to emerse oneself in - like Eddings, without gods. Note that the word is almost - minute amounts of magic, monsters and elf-equivalents appear in mostly supporting roles.
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